Govt orders sealing of Gymkhana Club

LAHORE - For the first time, the Punjab government on Thursday ordered sealing of predominantly bureaucrats area of rest and leisure Gymkhana Club, since the unit has not paid property tax, worth 0.8million. The Excise and Taxation Department, also for the first time in history, brought the Gymkhana Club into tax net during the current fiscal year of 2009-10. However, the E&T officials are said to have sent numerous reminders to the Club for depositing the money, which went unanswered, and this led the Taxation officials to go to the extent of ordering the sealing of. According to the E&T officials, out of the 0.8 million, a sum of Rs380,000 has been levied on the land, given by the Punjab government on lease, while Rs420,000 are due against the building. Chairman Executive Council Gymkhana Club Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman categorically said the Club would pay the amount. However, he denied that the Club had received any orders regarding the sealing of of the premises.